Published: October 21, 2008
Sailor rescued twice in two days by Burnham-On-Sea Coastguards

The 25ft trimaran 'Star of Burnham' has had to be rescued for a second time in 48 hours after going aground on mudflats near Burnham-On-Sea on Tuesday afternoon (October 21st).

Burnham-On-Sea.com was first to report on Sunday how the trimaran had been overdue into Burnham and was eventually located by an RAF Rescue Helicopter and taken in tow by Barry Dock lifeboat into Barry with two persons onboard after suffering engine problems.

It had no lifejackets, flares, charts or a VHF radio and Coastguards made it clear that they were less than impressed and informed the vessel's owner that he was to tell them when he set out again for Burnham.

This he did on Tuesday morning and when, once again, he failed to arrive, they called him on a handheld radio and were told that he had grounded the vessel on mudflats, but didn't know where.

Burnham-On-Sea's Coastguard Rescue Team took over communication with the man, via his handheld radio, and eventually ascertained that the trimaran had gone aground west of Stert Island, having overshot the entry to Burnham.

A Burnham lifeboat crew is due to go out to retrieve the trimaran later on Tuesay evening.

Swansea Coastguard Watch Manager Steve Jones told Burnham-On-Sea.com: "This Captain Calamity figure has cost the time and effort of lifeboat and helicopter crews and Coastguard Rescue Teams on two occasions in two days."

"We hope that this second experience will serve as a reminder to both the vessel owner and members of the public to ensure that you do not take on marine leisure activities that are beyond your comfort zone and capabilities and to always carry the relevant safety equipment on board whenever you set out onto the water."